U.S. Envoy Meets SDF Leader as Washington Pushes for Unity and Calm in Syria

WASHINGTON \ NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — The U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas J. Barrack, met on Saturday with Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as part of Washington’s latest diplomatic push to restore stability and foster unity in Syria amid alarming violence in the country’s south. The meeting, held at an undisclosed location in northeast Syria, focused on “urgent steps to restore calm and stability,” according to a statement from the U.S. mission.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to a future Syria that is peaceful, inclusive, and united—calling the current moment a critical opportunity for national reconciliation. “The time for unity is now,” the statement emphasized, underscoring growing concerns in Washington that the deteriorating security situation in parts of Syria could derail prospects for long-term peace.

Barrack thanked Abdi for the SDF’s ongoing role in combating ISIS remnants in the region, commending what he described as “steadfast leadership” in maintaining counterterrorism pressure despite political and logistical challenges. 

U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Ambassador Thomas J. Barrack met with SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi today to discuss the current situation in Syria and the need for urgent steps to restore calm and stability. They also discussed practical steps towards integration into a unified…

— U.S. Embassy Syria (@USEmbassySyria) July 19, 2025

The U.S. has increased its diplomatic activity in recent days following reports of atrocities in southern Syria, including alleged mass killings and sexual violence. In a separate statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the “rape and slaughter of innocent people,” calling it a moral and strategic imperative to end the violence. 

“The U.S. has remained heavily involved over the last three days with Israel, Jordan, and authorities in Damascus on the horrifying and dangerous developments in southern Syria,” Rubio said, adding that any viable future for Syria must be free from both ISIS and Iranian influence. 

He urged the Syrian government to intervene decisively to halt the violence, using its own security forces to prevent the infiltration of jihadist fighters, and to hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable—including those from within the government’s own ranks.

“The fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups inside the perimeter must also stop immediately,” Rubio added, referencing the escalating inter-communal violence that has further destabilized the Suwayda region.

The U.S. has remained heavily involved over the last three days with Israel, Jordan and authorities in Damascus on the horrifying & dangerous developments in southern Syria.

The rape and slaughter of innocent people which has and is still occuring must end.

If authorities in…

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 20, 2025

The developments come amid growing fears of a humanitarian collapse in parts of Syria already reeling from years of war, economic hardship, and political fragmentation. While the Biden administration has largely maintained a policy of limited engagement, officials now appear to be recalibrating their strategy as new flashpoints emerge. 

For Washington, the challenge remains on how to support regional allies and prevent the resurgence of extremist groups while also pushing for a political solution in a deeply fractured nation.